Syrian anti-aircraft shot down our fighter jet, says Israel military

Israel had struck Iranian facilities in Syria after they had intercepted an Iranian drone in Israeli territory.

Syrian anti-aircraft shot down an Israeli fighter jet on Saturday, as Israel struck Iranian facilities in Syria. Israel was responding after it had intercepted an Iranian drone in its territory. Anti-aircraft are weapons used to attack aircraft.

“IDF [Israeli Defence Forces] has targeted the Iranian control systems in Syria that sent the #UAV into Israeli airspace,” Jonathan Conricus, spokesperson of the IDF, said on Twitter. “Massive Syrian Anti-Air fire, one F16 crashed into Israel, pilots safe. Iran is responsible for this severe violation of Israeli sovereignty.”

The two pilots in Israel’s F-16 jet ejected and parachuted safely after the crash in Jezreel valley in northern Israel. The drone went down on Israeli territory and was in Israel’s possession, IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Ronen Manelis said, according to BBC.

Sirens were sounded in northern Israel following the Syrian fire. The Syrian state media reported that air defences opened fire in response to an Israeli act of “aggression”.

“This is a serious Iranian attack on Israeli territory,” The Guardian quoted Manelis as saying. “Iran is dragging the region into an adventure in which it doesn’t know how it will end. Whoever is responsible for this incident is the one who will pay the price.”

Photos of the Israeli jet crash landing site in Northern Israeli after pilots ejected from aircraft following attack from Syria early this morning. pic.twitter.com/h4w8H2g1qa

IDF has targeted the Iranian control systems in Syria that sent the #UAV into Israeli airspace. Massive Syrian Anti-Air fire, one F16 crashed in Israel, pilots safe. #Iran is responsible for this severe violation of Israeli sovereignty. Event ongoing, more to follow.

Russia and Iran, allies of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad, began a military intervention in September 2015 to help the Syrian government regain territory from the Islamic State group. The civil war has claimed the lives of more than 3.4 lakh people and left huge swathes of Syrians as refugees.

The national emblem of India; an open parachute and crossed lances – this triad of symbols representing the nation, excellence in training and valor respectively are held together by an elite title in the Indian army – The President’s Bodyguard (PBG).

The PBG badge is worn by one of the oldest cavalry units in the India army. In 1773, Governor Warren Hastings, former Governor General of India, handpicked 50 troopers. Before independence, this unit was referred to by many titles including Troops of Horse Guards and Governor General’s Body Guards (GGBG). In 1950, the unit was named The President’s Bodyguard and can be seen embroidered in the curved maroon shoulder titles on their current uniforms.

The President’s Bodyguard’s uniform adorns itself with proud colours and symbols of its 245 year-old-legacy. Dating back to 1980, the ceremonial uniform consists of a bright red long coat with gold girdles and white breeches, a blue and gold ceremonial turban with a distinctive fan and Napoleon Boots with spurs. Each member of the mounted unit carries a special 3-meter-long bamboo cavalry lance, decorated by a red and white pennant. A sheathed cavalry sabre is carried in in the side of the saddle of each trooper.

While common perception is that the PBG mainly have ceremonial duties such as that of being the President’s escort during Republic Day parade, the fact is that the members of the PBG are highly trained. Handpicked by the President’s Secretariat from mainstream armored regiments, the unit assigns a task force regularly for Siachen and UN peace keeping operations. Moreover, the cavalry members are trained combat parachutists – thus decorating the PBG uniform with a scarlet Para Wings badge that signifies that these troopers are a part of the airborne battalion of the India Army.

Since their foundation, the President’s Guard has won many battle honors. In 1811, they won their first battle honor ‘Java’. In 1824, they sailed over Kalla Pani for the first Burmese War and earned the second battle honour ‘Ava’. The battle of Maharajapore in 1843 won them their third battle honor. Consequently, the PBG fought in the main battles of the First Sikh War and earned four battle honours. Post-independence, the PBG served the country in the 1962 Indo-China war and the 1965 Indo-Pak war.

The PBG, one of the senior most regiments of the Indian Army, is a unique unit. While the uniform is befitting of its traditional and ceremonial role, the badges that augment those threads, tell the story of its impressive history and victories.

How have they managed to maintain their customs for more than 2 centuries? A National Geographic exclusive captures the PBG’s untold story. The documentary series showcases the discipline that goes into making the ceremonial protectors of the supreme commander of the Indian Armed Forces.

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The National Geographic exclusive is a landmark in television and is being celebrated by the #untoldstory contest. The contest will give 5 lucky winners an exclusive pass to the pre-screening of the documentary with the Hon’ble President of India at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. You can also nominate someone you think deserves to be a part of the screening. Follow #UntoldStory on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to participate.

This article was produced by Scroll marketing team on behalf of National Geographic and not by the Scroll editorial team.